In the course of daily life, we all feel anxiety from time to time. We all worry from time to time when we encounter stressful or uncertain situations. This feeling, which occurs before an important exam, during a job interview, or when we are worried about the health of our loved ones, is actually quite natural. But in some cases, anxiety can go beyond a temporary anxiety and turn into a constant anxiety that makes our life difficult, this condition, which turns into an uncontrollable feeling of fear, is called an anxiety disorder. It is at this point that it becomes important to Decipher the difference between “anxiety” and “anxiety disorder”.

So, what exactly is anxiety? When does it become a disorder? How is anxiety disorder treated?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural reaction of an individual to situations that he perceives as a threat, and it is a state of arousal that manifests itself with both psychological and physiological changes. This emotion activates the brain's alarm system against the feeling of uncertainty and danger, enabling a person to be more attentive to his environment, protect himself and take action when necessary. From a biological point of view, anxiety is part of our brain's mechanism for perceiving dangers and being prepared for them.
The feeling of anxiety works like an alarm system that protects the body against dangers. When our brain detects a potential threat, it activates the region called the amygdala and triggers the “fight or flight” response, making our body prepared for danger. During this process, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and some biochemical changes occur:
* Stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are secreted.
* The heart rate increases and blood pressure rises.
* The muscles are stretched and the body becomes alert. Nov.
* The level of attention increases, the brain focuses on threats.

These reactions help us to survive in dangerous or challenging situations. For example, it is thanks to this system that a person who encounters a predator in the wild can quickly run away, or a driver who needs to make a sudden brake can react quickly.

But sometimes anxiety can occur without any real threat and negatively affect a person's quality of life. A person can live in a constant state of fear and tension, starting to perceive everyday events as a threat. In this case of overreaction, we are talking about an anxiety disorder.

The main components of anxiety are:
1. Emotional : Experiencing emotions such as anxiety, fear, restlessness and tension.
2. Cognitive : Negative thoughts, generating disaster scenarios and excessive anxiety about the future.
3. Physiological : Bodily symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, muscle tension. Nov.
4. Behavioral : Behaviors such as avoidance behaviors, creating a routine to feel safe, or constantly checking in.
For example, anxiety felt before an exam can make a person better prepared and increase achievement by increasing attention. But when this anxiety puts a person in an immobile state, that is, causes panic attacks, sleep disorders and social avoidance, an anxiety disorder may be involved.

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorder is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a constant and intense feeling of anxiety that complicates a person's daily life. Unlike normal anxiety, this type of anxiety is excessive, irrational, and uncontrollable. A person may feel that he is constantly in danger, even if there is no real threat.

The important point is this: anxiety is a normal and healthy feeling up to a certain level. But when it becomes uncontrollable and disrupts a person's daily functionality, it is considered an anxiety disorder.

This disorder can occur in different ways, and each of them is characterized by its own unique symptoms.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by a constant state of anxiety without a specific cause. A person attaches excessive meaning to events in his daily life and develops a strong belief that everything will go wrong.

Symptoms:
* Constant feeling of restlessness and tension
* Difficulty focusing
* Sleep disorders
* November muscle tension and headaches
* Easy fatigue

2. Panic Disorder

People with panic disorder experience panic attacks that occur suddenly and manifest themselves with intense fear. These attacks usually happen at unexpected moments and can peak within a few minutes, causing serious physical symptoms. During a panic attack, a person is under the illusion that he is having a heart attack, cannot breathe, or is going to die.

Symptoms:
* Palpitations and chest tightness
* Shortness of breath and a feeling of suffocation
* Sweating, trembling
* Fear of death or fear of losing control

3. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

Social anxiety disorder occurs when an individual is extremely afraid of being judged or humiliated by others. A person avoids social interactions, and this can lead to isolation over time.

Symptoms:
* Do not feel excessive anxiety when speaking in public, do not be afraid to speak or make presentations
* Facial flushing, voice tremor, sweating
* Avoiding making eye contact
* Avoiding social environments
* Do not feel excessive anxiety when meeting new people
• Don't be afraid to eat or write in front of others

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by a person experiencing involuntary and disturbing thoughts (obsessions) and performing repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate these thoughts.

Examples:
* Continuous hand washing
* Checking repeatedly whether the door is locked
* Counting numbers or feeling obligated to perform certain routines

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD manifests itself when an individual experiences intense anxiety, fear and stress after a traumatic event. It can occur after traumatic events such as war, natural disasters, accidents, attacks or abuse.

Symptoms:
• Feeling as if you are reliving a traumatic event (flashback)
* Nightmares and sleep disorders
* A state of extreme fright and alertness
* Avoiding situations that remind of trauma
* Intense outbursts of anxiety and anger

6. Specific Phobias

It is a state of irrational and excessive fear of certain objects, situations or events. Even if a person knows that his fear is irrational, he makes great efforts not to encounter this situation.

Examples:
* Fear of heights
* Fear of confined spaces
* Fear of airplanes

How is Anxiety Disorder Treated?

Anxiety disorders are treatable conditions, various methods are used to improve the individual's quality of life, and the treatment process is determined according to individual needs.

1. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective methods in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It allows a person to notice the thought patterns that trigger their anxiety and change them.

2. Drug Treatment

In some cases, medication may also be necessary. Antidepressants and anxiety relieving medications can be effective in managing anxiety. However, medication use should definitely be guided by a psychiatrist.

3. Lifestyle Changes
• Doing regular exercise
* Eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and caffeine
* Practicing meditation and breathing exercises
* Sleeping regularly

Anxiety is a natural part of being human; however, an anxiety disorder can seriously affect the quality of life. If your anxiety makes your daily life difficult, becomes constant, or is accompanied by physical symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist.
Anxiety disorder can be treated and it is possible to improve your quality of life with the right support. Asking for help is not a weakness, but to value yourself..